Hülya Kulakçi Altintaş

Bio: Hülya Kulakçi Altintaş is an academic researcher from Zonguldak Karaelmas University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Health belief model & Turkish. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 8 publications receiving 33 citations.

Prevalence of elder abuse among community‐dwelling older adults in Turkey and its associated factors

Abstract: BACKGROUND This study was performed to determine the prevalence of elder abuse among community-dwelling older adults and its associated risk factors. METHODS The sample in this cross-sectional study consisted of 691 older adults. Data were collected with an elder abuse and neglect assessment form, which had been prepared by the researchers in accordance with the literature. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors related to subtypes of elder abuse. RESULTS In this study, 13.6% of the elderly subjects (n = 94) were exposed to at least one instance of abusive behaviour within the last year; emotional abuse was the most frequently occurring type of abuse. Risk factors for abuse were being 75 years old or older (odds ratio (OR) = 1.993, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.105-3.592), being illiterate (OR = 4.863, 95%CI: 2.809-8.417), lack of own income (OR = 2.189, 95%CI: 1.179-4.064), having bad family relationships (OR = 20.564, 95%CI: 5.453-77.554), and lack of own home (OR = 3.945,; 95%CI: 1.167-13.330). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study showed that abuse was an important problem for the elderly population. Therefore, elderly individuals, especially those who are 75 years old or older, have a low education level, lack their own home, and lack their own income, should be evaluated for abuse.

Incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults in Turkey and its relationship with pain and insomnia.

Abstract: Aim The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults and the impact of pain and insomnia on falls. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 659 older adults. Pain was assessed by the Geriatric Pain Measure, and insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index. The history of falls was assessed within the last 12 months. Risk factors for falls were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results The incidence of falls within the last year was 37.2%. Based on the analyses, pain and insomnia were found to be risk factors for falls. Conclusion In this study, falls were observed as a common problem among community-dwelling older adults, and pain and insomnia were determined as risk factors for falls. Therefore, pain and insomnia should be addressed when prevention of falls among community-dwelling older adults are planned by health care professionals including nurses.

The Effect of Breast Cancer Fatalism on Breast Cancer Awareness Among Turkish Women

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of breast cancer fatalism and other factors on breast cancer awareness among Turkish women. This cross-sectional and comparative descriptive study was conducted with 894 women. Data were collected by Personal Information Form, Powe Fatalism Inventory and Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale. Seriousness, health motivation, BSE benefits and BSE self-efficacy perceptions of the women were moderate, and susceptibility and BSE barriers perceptions were low. It was determined that awareness of breast cancer of the women was affected by breast cancer fatalism, age, education level, employment status, marital status, family type, economic status, social assurance, menopause status, family history of cancer, family history of breast cancer, knowledge on BSE, source of information on BSE, performing of BSE, frequency of BSE performing, having a problem with breast, having a breast examination in hospital, feeling during breast examination by healthcare professional, sex of healthcare professional for breast examination and their health beliefs (p < .05). The results suggested that awareness of breast cancer of the women was affected by breast cancer fatalism. In providing breast cancer early diagnosis behaviors, it is recommended to evaluate fatalism perceptions and health beliefs of the women and to arrange educational programs for this purpose.

Attitudes to ageing and their relationship with quality of life in older adults in Turkey.

Abstract: Aim With the increase in life expectancy, it has become necessary to expand our knowledge of how older individuals perceive their own ageing and how ageing affects their quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine older adults' attitudes towards ageing and the relationship between attitudes and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in Turkey. Methods This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in Zonguldak, Turkey. The sample included 999 community-dwelling older adults, who were selected from five family health centres. The data were collected between April and June 2015 by using the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the predictive value of attitude to ageing on quality of life. Results Multiple regression analysis revealed that the subscales of Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (psychosocial loss (β = -0.289), physical change (β = 0.296), and psychological growth (β = 0.279)) were statistically significant predictors of quality of life. Attitudes to ageing explained 46.6% of the quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in Turkey (R2 = 0.466). Conclusion The significant impact of attitudes to ageing on quality of life suggests the need for better recognition of attitudes to ageing in older adults.

Effects of Pain and Sleep Quality on Falls Among Nursing Home Residents in Turkey

Abstract: The current study was conducted to detect the incidence of falls among individuals in nursing homes, as well as the impact of pain and sleep quality on falls. The sample for this cross-sectional study comprised 291 older adults. Pain was assessed using the Geriatric Pain Measure and insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Incidence of falls within the past 1 year was 40.9%. Risk factors for falling were determined using logistic regression analysis. Based on the analysis, being single (odds ratio [OR] = 2.502, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.155, 6.195]) and experiencing pain (OR = 2.841, 95% CI [1.195-6.754]) were risk factors for falling. In the current study, falling was seen as a common problem among older adults. Pain in particular should be addressed when planning the prevention of falls in nursing homes. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(5):257-264.].

Societal consequences of falls in the older population: Injuries, healthcare costs, and long-term reduced quality of life

Abstract: textBACKGROUND:: Fall incidents are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this cohort study was to determine the incidence, costs, and quality of life for fall-related injuries in the older Dutch population presenting at the emergency department. METHODS:: Data on fall-related injuries in persons aged 65 years or older were retrieved from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, which records injuries treated at the emergency department, and a patient follow-up survey conducted between 2003 and 2007. Injury incidence, discharge rates, healthcare costs, and quality of life measures were calculated. RESULTS:: Fall-related injuries were to the upper or lower limb in 70% of cases and consisted mainly of fractures (60%), superficial injuries (21%), and open wounds (8%). Falls led to a total healthcare cost of €474.4 million, which represents 21% of total healthcare expenses due to injuries. Both admitted and nonadmitted patients reported a reduced quality of life up to 9 months after the injury. CONCLUSIONS:: Fall-related injuries in older adults are age and gender related, leading to high healthcare consumption, costs, and long-term reduced quality of life. Further implementation of falls prevention strategies is needed to control the burden of fall-related injuries in the aging population.

Beliefs, fear and awareness of women about breast cancer: Effects on mammography screening practices.

Abstract: Aim This study sought to investigate the beliefs, fear and awareness about breast cancer and mammography screening practices of women in Iran. Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted at Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, northwest of Iran from February-July 2017. One hundred and fifty-two women aged 40 years and older, who were referred to 12 health centres for health services were selected via clustering sampling. Associations between variables and mammography screening practices were examined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Participants who had a mammogram within the last 24 months were compared with those who had none. Sociodemographic questionnaire, Champion's Breast Cancer Fear Scale, Champion's Health Belief Model Scale for Mammography Screening, Breast Cancer Awareness Scale and Powe Fatalism Inventory were the tools used for data gathering. Results Just 38.2% of women reported having a mammogram within the last 24 months. Self-efficacy (OR = 5.36, B = 1.68, p

'Too grey to be true?' Sexual violence in older adults : a critical interpretive synthesis of evidence

Abstract: Sexual violence (SV) is an important public health issue with a major impact on victims and their peers, offspring and community. However, SV in older adults is under-researched. This paper aims to establish the prevalence and nature of SV in older adults in Europe, link this with existing policies and health care workers’ response to sexual health needs in older age, and critically revise the currently used frameworks in public health research. To fill this gap in the literature, we applied a Critical Interpretative Synthesis (CIS) approach. The CIS approach uses techniques from grounded theory and processes from systematic review. It allows to critically interpret key findings from both academic as well as grey literature, engendering theory refining. In the first phase of purposive sampling, we conducted a systematic review of academic sources and included 14 references. The cut-off age used to define old age varied between 60 and 70 years old among the included studies. Subsequently we added another 14 references in the second phase of theoretical sampling. We ultimately included 16 peer-reviewed articles and 12 documents from the grey literature. The CIS results demonstrate that knowledge of SV in older adults is still limited. The current research suggests that SV in older adults rarely occurs, however, prevalence rates are likely to be underestimated because of methodological shortcomings. The complexity of SV in older adults is not acknowledged in ongoing research due to the conflation of SV with other types of violence. Information on specific risk factors and about assailants committing SV in old age is absent. Policy documents dealing with sexual and reproductive health, rights and ageing make no mention of SV in older adults. In clinical practice, the sexual health needs of older adults often remain unmet. In conclusion, our findings suggest that older adults are forgotten in prevention and response to SV. Greater awareness about this topic could contribute to a revision of current policies and health care practices, leading to more tailored care for older victims of SV.

Impact of Function Focused Care and Physical Activity on Falls in Assisted Living Residents

Abstract: BackgroundThere continues to be a belief among nurses, patients, and families that physical activity increases the risk of falling.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that c...